Hosea 6:5

Authorized King James Version

Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
כֵּ֗ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#3
חָצַ֙בְתִּי֙
Therefore have I hewed
to cut or carve (wood, stone or other material); by implication, to hew, split, square, quarry, engrave
#4
בַּנְּבִיאִ֔ים
them by the prophets
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
#5
הֲרַגְתִּ֖ים
I have slain
to smite with deadly intent
#6
בְּאִמְרֵי
them by the words
something said
#7
פִ֑י
of my mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#8
וּמִשְׁפָּטֶ֖יךָ
and thy judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#9
א֥וֹר
are as the light
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
#10
יֵצֵֽא׃
that goeth forth
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hosea Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection